An interview with Paul Morgan, Technical Director at NDT Resources

• So, Paul tell us how is Covid-19 affecting the NDT sector right now?

With Saudi Arabia and Russia each trying to outproduce the other, coupled with the sharp break put on the world economy caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, this has led to a glut of oil in the market which has sent prices tumbling. Because of this, a lot of activity in this sector has been drastically cut back as they are deemed to be economically unviable. This has inevitably led to major NDT job losses in this sector. However, there is a glimmer of hope as President Trump indicated last Thursday (02 Apr) that he expected Saudi Arabia and Russia to reach a deal that could end their price war and likely mitigate a sharp price collapse. Oil prices surged by as much as 35% on the day. Green shoots indeed for this beleaguered sector. 

In other sectors such as aerospace and automotive, recruitment has slowed appreciably as hirers wait for an upturn in economic activity.

• How have you found the recruitment process during this extraordinary period?

Recruitment is still going on, albeit at a reduced level. Video interviews are all the rage now as hiring team members are in disparate locations (working from home) and visiting prospective work locations is not possible. However, that final face-to-face and understanding of what a work situation looks like is unavoidable, but is on hold for the moment. I currently have two requisitions that highlight this dilemma. The first is an NDT equipment manufacturer in Norway that wishes to greatly enhance its sales force, with multiple possible hires. We’re nearly at the end of the video interview road for a Sales Director role and will have to wait for that final step – when that can be, who knows. The same goes for the second example: an NDT technician has had two interviews for a position with a Formula 1 team. Where are they based? Northern Italy!

• What steps are being taken to enable personnel to work safely and keep the industry going?

The performance of Non-destructive Testing is generally a solo effort and tends to be carried out apart from others - it cannot be done from home though. That part in a factory or that weld on a pipeline, or that array of NDT equipment has been touched by others. So, a strict adherence to regular and thorough washing of hands must be constantly encouraged. Use of gloves only means that they are a second skin and must be removed before touching of the face. Like in all walks of life now, social distancing has to be observed. To help with this, staggering or creating shift patterns will reduce people density in the workplace.

• Thank you Paul. We look forward to the next month update from NDT Resources.

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We have some new jobs available for you to look at and to apply to should you find them of interest. Or perhaps you may know someone who would be a suitable candidate, in which case please spread the word.

In any case, if you want to know more, feel free to contact 

Paul Morgan on +44 (0)1793 200169 for an informal chat.